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Science News for November 8, 2010


Potential drug therapy for diabetic retinopathy under study

Scientists are exploring the therapeutic potential of (+)- pentazocine in treating diabetic retinopathy. The study aims to determine if the drug can block or promote sigma receptor action and improve retinal health in patients. Researchers also want to know if the drug is effective when given later in the disease process.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 8, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 8, 2010

Researchers have identified markers associated with breast cancer outcomes and found a protein linked to tumor spread. Additionally, a new therapeutic target for tumor suppression has been discovered, while gene therapy shows promise for improving wound healing in diabetic patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2010

Vacuum arcs spark new interest

Scientists model vacuum breakdown to understand its implications for applications, including particle accelerators and fusion reactors. A new model reveals that the breakdown arc is triggered by an electric field tearing apart the metal surface, leading to extremely damaging effects.

Mild painkillers in pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of male reproductive problems

Research found a seven-fold increased risk of undescended testicles in sons born to women taking multiple painkillers during pregnancy. The study suggests that exposure to certain chemicals, including mild analgesics, can disrupt testosterone production and lead to poor semen quality and testicular cancer.

Soy may stop prostate cancer spread

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that a soy-based drug can prevent the movement of prostate cancer cells from the prostate to the rest of the body. The experimental treatment, genistein, has shown beneficial effects on human subjects with localized prostate cancer in a recent phase II study.

Do not abandon new cigarette warning labels

Health Canada's decision to cancel plans for new cigarette warning labels may result in increased smoking rates and a surge in smoking-related illnesses and deaths. Warning labels are an effective communication strategy that deter smokers and non-smokers alike, with international guidelines recommending large pictorial warnings.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 8, 2010

Greater food insecurity from recession poses increased risk to low income individuals with diabetes

A new study found that food-insecure adults with diabetes have higher body mass indexes and greater financial constraints on food choices. However, after receiving nutrition education via telemedicine, both groups reported improved diet adherence and similar lab values associated with diabetes care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 8, 2010

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center research shows fish oil component given up to 5 hours after stroke limits brain damage

A study by LSU Health Sciences Center researchers found that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fish oil component, can protect brain tissue and promote recovery in acute ischemic stroke even when treatment is delayed. DHA treatment reduced swelling and facilitated neurobehavioral recovery.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateNov 8, 2010

Play with your kid, for their mental health's sake

A new study suggests that spending quality time with children, such as reading and teaching organizational skills, can foster better psychological health in adulthood. The study's findings support the importance of strong interpersonal connections and social skills developed during childhood.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 8, 2010

Growth factor regenerates tooth supporting structures: Results of a large randomized clinical trial

A large randomized clinical trial found FGF-2 to be effective in regenerating human periodontal tissue destroyed by periodontitis. The study showed substantial restoration of tissues with positive outcomes over the long term, making it an attractive approach for restoring lost tissues.

New ocean acidification study shows added danger to already struggling coral reefs

A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School suggests that ocean acidification could compromise coral recruitment, impacting recovery from disturbance. The research reveals a new threat to already struggling Caribbean and Florida reef Elkhorn corals.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2010

Fat sand rats are SAD like us

Researchers found that Fat Sand Rats exhibit symptoms of depression when exposed to short light hours, similar to those experienced by humans with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The rats responded well to common SAD therapies, including bright light exposure and medications, suggesting a viable animal model for studying affective disorders.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 8, 2010

Climate change: Water reservoir glacier

A recent study by Innsbruck glaciologists and climatologists reveals regional differences in the contribution of glaciers to water supply, with high-mountain communities dependent on glacier melt but relatively low population density. The research highlights the need for a differentiated discussion on climate change's impact on water a...

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2010

New DNA repair pathway

UC Davis researchers have identified a new inducible pathway for repairing DNA damaged by oxygen radicals, which could lead to a better understanding of the causes of some cancers. The discovery involves an enzyme called NEIL1 that detects and repairs aberrant bases before changes in the genome become permanent.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2010

Low vitamin D while pregnant or breastfeeding may not be associated with multiple sclerosis relapse

A study of 28 pregnant women with MS found that lower vitamin D levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding were not associated with an increased risk of relapse after childbirth. However, women who breastfed exclusively had lower postpartum vitamin D levels, which may be related to the duration of breastfeeding rather than a causal link.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 8, 2010

Were our tetrapod ancestors deaf?

Researchers studied the closest living relative of tetrapods, the African lungfish, and found that they lack sensitivity to airborne sound. The inner ear's structure suggests a high vibration sensitivity but limits hearing to very low frequencies, implying that early tetrapod ancestors were probably deaf to airborne sound.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 8, 2010

Massachusetts Institute of Technology IDs new cancer drug target

Researchers at MIT identified a new cancer drug target by shutting down an enzyme that controls DNA repair, which can enhance the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy drugs. The findings suggest that inhibiting this enzyme may help treat difficult cancers resistant to ordinary treatments and prevent drug resistance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2010

Graphene gets a Teflon makeover

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created fluorographene, a one-molecule-thick material similar to Teflon with chemical inertness and thermal stability. The team hopes to use it in electronics, such as LED devices and ultra-thin tunnel barriers, while retaining mechanical strength.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSmall·DateNov 8, 2010

Researchers in Bonn find an 'altruism gene'

A study published in Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience found that a specific genetic variant, COMT-Val, is associated with an increased willingness to donate. Participants with this variant donated twice as much money to charity compared to those with the other variant, COMT-Met.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 8, 2010